Overview
- The California Department of Fish and Wildlife postponed the commercial fishery statewide due to numerous 2025 entanglements and continued whale and leatherback sea turtle presence.
- Recreational crabbing begins Nov. 1 in most areas, but waters from the Oregon border to the Sonoma–Mendocino County line are closed to take or possession because of domoic acid.
- State health agencies also advise against eating crab viscera between the Sonoma–Mendocino County line and Point Reyes to reduce domoic acid exposure.
- Recreational traps are temporarily prohibited between the Sonoma–Mendocino County line and Lopez Point, with a Fleet Advisory statewide and a two-hour service requirement for hoop nets.
- CDFW says the mid-December assessment will guide a possible opening around the New Year and decisions on lifting recreational trap restrictions.